Vietnam considers developing 2 inter-regional renewable energy service and industry hubs

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has proposed building two inter-regional renewable energy service and industry hubs in the country.

According to the ministry's newly-issued Decision 1509/QĐ-BCT on a scheme to implement the Adjusted Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), the northern hub will be located in localities such as Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Thai Binh, with potential expansion to neighboring areas in the future.

This hub will include manufacturing facilities for wind and solar power equipment, logistics services, and specialized seaports to support the construction, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy projects.

It will also feature green industrial parks with low carbon emissions and training and research centers for highly skilled human resources in the clean energy sector.

The southern hub is expected to be developed in localities like Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Ho Chi Minh City, which have significant potential for wind and solar energy and port infrastructure.

The development model will mirror that of the northern hub, aiming to build a complete value chain for the renewable energy sector in the southern region.

According to the scheme, by 2030, the total installed capacity will include 22,524 MW of LNG-fired power; 14,930 MW of domestic gas-fired power; 31,055 MW of coal-fired power; 33,294 - 34,667 MW of hydropower; 46,459 - 73,416 MW of solar power, and 26,066 - 38,029 MW of onshore wind power.

Offshore wind power serving domestic demand is targeted to reach 6,000 MW by 2030 and rise to 17,032 MW by 2035.

Two nuclear power plants, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2, each with a planned capacity of 2,000-3,200 MW, are expected to be operational between 2030 and 2035.

Other renewable sources such as biomass, waste-to-energy, and industrial residual heat will also be encouraged, with a total capacity of 1,523-2,699 MW of biomass power and 1,441-2,137 MW of waste-to-energy.

By 2030, battery storage systems are projected to reach a total capacity of approximately 10,000-16,300 MW. Concentrated solar power development will be required to integrate battery storage with a minimum of 10% of the plant capacity stored for two hours.

Electricity imports and exports

Vietnam plans to boost electricity imports from countries with abundant hydropower resources. By 2030, imports from Laos are projected to reach 9,360-12,100 MW, based on cooperation agreements already signed by the two governments.

Vietnam will also consider reasonable-scale imports from China depending on technical connection conditions. If feasible and cost-effective, imports from Laos to northern Vietnam could be increased to the maxium level or expedited.

Conversely, electricity export is identified as a new focal point in Southeast Asian economic cooperation. By 2030, Vietnam aims to raise electricity exports to Cambodia to around 400 MW.

By 2035, exports to potential markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, and other regional partners may reach 5,000-10,000 MW, maintaining at least 10,000 MW through 2050.

Export volumes could be raised based on the importing countries’ actual demand, while ensuring economic efficiency, national energy security, and national defense.

To facilitate electricity exports and the production of new energy forms, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has identified the central and southern regions as key areas for export-oriented production, with a targeted export of 5,000-10,000 MW.

The development of new energy sources using renewable energy - such as green hydrogen and green ammonia - will be prioritized for both domestic use and export.

These projects will focus on areas with strong renewable energy potential and favorable grid infrastructure. The goal is to reach a generation capacity of 15,000 MW, mainly from offshore wind power.

Bộ sẽ trình các cấp có thẩm quyền xem xét chủ trương xuất khẩu điện theo từng dự án cụ thể, bảo đảm tuân thủ đúng quy định pháp luật hiện hành.

The ministry will submit to relevant authorities proposals for electricity export on a project-by-project basis, ensuring compliance with current legal regulations.